Page 52 of Taboo Flames

“And I’ve lost three men and a whole lot of trust in my capabilities as a leader,” I say.

The Priest winces in sympathy. Everyone in the game knows, most times, the fastest way to go down is by losing credibility.

“It’s the same way with gods. Their power comes from their followers,” The Priest says.

“I have a plan,” I say slowly. I wait for them to lean forward with interest before divulging my plan to them.

After the more important discussions of the meeting conclude, our men are let into the warehouse, and they start whining about needing some stress relief.

As soon as Estefan gives the go-ahead for them to let loose, they start making preparations to get alcohol.

I stay in my seat, deep in thoughts about our transportation problems. The worst part, maybe, is that we can’t do much about our issues to avoid stepping on any of the Vitale’s toes. As the highest power in the city, the Vitales have to permit any all-out war on the Albanians.

Naturally, my mind slips to Aurora, my gorgeous little spitfire.

“That jewelry is awfully familiar,” Estefan suddenly says, dropping down into the seat beside mine.

I follow his gaze to the chaplet wrapped around my wrist. I protectively clutch it tighter.

“Hmm,” I respond dismissively.

“Yours?” he asks.

I tense at his marked curiosity. “Yes. Problem?” I’m aware I’m being hostile for no reason, but the memories attached to the chaplet aren’t good ones for me.

I don't know why I still keep the damn thing. I should have chucked it into the fire a long time ago and destroyed my last link to a mother who hadn’t given two shits about me.

The fact that I still have it makes me feel weak and pathetic. Like the same little boy who’d waited for days for his mama to return to him.

“No problem at all,” he says. “I bought a strikingly similar one decades ago. It was for a woman, the only woman I’ve ever loved. Those were the days.” He smiles fondly. “Hours spent dancing at an outdoor club in Chicago, sitting at the beach. She never took it off. Not even once.”

I note the sadness in his voice. “Where’s she now? Looks like you didn’t end up with her after all.”

He chuckles dryly. “Life got in the way, and just when I thought I’d get a second chance, her life was cut short.”

I swallow, then say coldly, “How tragic.”

He must notice that I’m trying to shut down the conversation because he finally gives me a stiff smile and moves away.

Soon, the men return with crates of beer and bottles of wine, being loud and raucous as they lay everything out, including different types of sex toys.

From my position, I can see dildos, nipple clamps, whips, and a variety of bondage cuffs. Shortly after, there’s a loud screech of tires outside, and scantily clad women walk into the warehouse, the men’s whoops accompanying their arrival.

Drinks begin to flow while the women start dancing, their bodies swaying and swinging. None of it interests me, though. My cock stays flaccid in my pants while the half-naked women gyrate.

Usually, I’ll be the first to join in on the activities. The time when bound up and helpless submissive women did it for me seems like eons ago.

One of the women approaches me, a redhead with lush curves and tiny leopard print lingerie. She has a coy smile on her lips, and the look in her eyes tells me she wants me, and there’s not much she isn’t willing to do.

“Hey, handsome,” she purrs, “you look like you’re able to take me for a hot ride tonight.”

“Not interested. Move on,” I say coldly.

She gives me a pout much like the one Aurora is fond of, but while it’s cute and endearing on the Vitale princess, on her, it’s just damn annoying.

“I’ll let you do anything you want to me,” she whispers, pressing her breasts against my arm.

“Get the fuck away from me,” I tell her, my eyes narrowed.

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